Welcome to My Crib! Tips on How to Build an Allergy-friendly Home.
Posted on: 5 January 2017
Building a home and making it your own is one of the biggest investments you'll make in your life. As an allergy sufferer, having an eco-healthy home is probably everything you have ever dreamed of. Well, it doesn't have to be a dream anymore! You can turn it into a reality by following a few tips to help you build a house that is an allergy-free haven.
Finding a home site
Sometimes it's not where you need to build your home that matters; it's how well you design. However, you can select a home site where dust and other pollutants can be kept to a minimum. Look for a home site that is not near any major roadways or on the upward side of any industrial activity. This is an ideal start towards building an allergy-friendly home.
Specification of construction materials
Nearly all construction materials now, from ceiling panels to flooring, are available in varieties specifically designed for allergy sufferers. Invest in products that are VOC and formaldehyde free.
Opt for construction materials such as treated timber wall frames, since they provide a mold-resistant option, help in controlling temperatures and buffer moisture and humidity.
Flooring selection
Unlike a couch or a curtain, the flooring you choose is the most difficult to replace, so it's important you get it right the first time. A stylish hardwood flooring is ultimately a good choice in a home where allergy sufferers are present.
Hardwood flooring offers design flexibility and doesn't capture mold, dust mites or other allergens. You can use concrete, slate or tile for areas such as mudrooms, since these materials are less likely to harbor bacteria and are also easy to clean.
Kitchen and bath cabinets
Use natural wood for your kitchen and bath cabinets since it doesn't release VOCs. You can also opt for zero-VOC plywood for beautiful contemporary kitchen cabinets.
Paint and Wall finish
Use zero-VOC coatings for both interior and exterior surface applications. You can also use VOC-absorbing paints to improve indoor air quality.
Heating, Cooling & Central Air
In-floor heating systems are highly beneficial for allergy suffers. Unlike forced air systems, in-floor heating does not push particulate matter around the house.
A whole-house cooling system, unlike a room-by-room cooling system, helps improve indoor air quality significantly. Also, install proper filters along with your cooling systems and central air conditioner systems. Filters reduce allergens by removing them completely from the environment.
Install a proper ventilation system, since air flow management is very important in a home with allergen sufferers.
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